Special Operations Division
The Special Operations Division is led by Division Chief Damon Mosler and Assistant Chief Paul Azevedo. The division investigates complex cases involving misuse of public funds; political corruption; hate crimes; and misconduct of government officials, including police officers. The division reviews all officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths.
The Office of the District Attorney has conducted reviews of all officer-involved shootings (OIS) in the line of duty by San Diego County peace officers since the mid-1970s. The purpose of the District Attorney’s review is to provide an independent review of all shootings and other use of deadly force, fatal and non-fatal, to assure the public that peace officers in San Diego County are performing their duties in a legally-justified manner.
This review does not examine issues such as compliance with the policies and procedures of any law enforcement agency, ways to improve training, or any issues related to civil liability. Upon completion of the District Attorney's review, a letter summarizing the facts and statements of the deputy or officer and other witnesses is written and delivered to the respective police chief or San Diego County Sheriff. During 2011, the division completed reviews of 15 officer-involved shootings and 3 in-custody deaths.
In all, the division had 114 open investigations in 2011. Special Operations continues to employ the criminal grand jury to investigate public corruption and violations of election laws. We also investigate on-duty police officer misconduct and corruption cases. The division’s Professional Standards Unit handles all in-house investigations including background checks for potential employees. Last year, the unit performed 200 such background checks.
In addition, the division has tribal and international liaisons who assist with cases in other District Attorney divisions or branches.
A criminal case of note that was prosecuted by the Special Operations Division last year:
People v. Arevalos
A San Diego Police officer was convicted by a jury of sexual battery, bribery and assault by an officer. He targeted women who were drinking and driving in the Gaslamp District and offered to let them go in exchange for sexual contact.
